Apparatus for exposing and processing photographic film



Nov. 3o, 1948. E. H. LA 2,455,125

APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING AND PROCESSING PIIOTOf.rR.^.PHIC FILM Filed May 31, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

sa 26 48 52 36\ s2 72 E 72 49 "-7. i 49 se t 6o ;J. 62 B8 e2 .-34 o 34 44 46 Vg 46 40 W mvemon Bbmagw `NOV. 30, 1948. E H, LAND 2,455,125

APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING AND PROCESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM Filed May 31, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 3 |67 @g mmm M56 v im Nron |58 BY Q A@ Patented Nov. 30, 1948 APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING AND PROCESS- ING PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM Edwin H. Land, Cambridge, Mass., assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation of Delaware Application May 31, 1946, Serial No. 673,406

22 Claims. 1

This invention relates to photography and more particularly to camera apparatus.

One object of the present invention is to provide novel apparatus for forming a positive print of the subject image of a photographically exposed photosensitive film.

Another object is to provide novel camera apparatus comprising means for photographically exposing a composite film and for applying progressive compression to the film while it is maintained in a stationary position.

A further object is to provide novel camera apparatus having a rigid, preferably planar element for positioning a photographic fluid-containing film in the focal plane of the camera and as a support for the film during an application of progressive compression thereto.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means for ready insertion and removal of a film unit of a self-contained, uuid-carrying type for forming a positive photographic print in a camera of the character described.

A still further object is to provide camera apparatus suitable for photographically exposing and processing a film having several layers and releasably containing a fluid composition, wherein the film is held stationary and at least a pressure applying element is mounted for translational movement across a surface of the film, and for applying compressive stress thereto thus releasing and spreading the fluid between preestablished layer portions.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide camera apparatus having means for positioning a film, pressure rollers mounted in carriers capable of translational movement parallel to the plane of the film, and means for actuating the aforesaid movement of the rollers.

Another object of the invention is to provide camera apparatus comprising at least a pressure roller mounted for applying progressive compression to a'stationary photographic film, and a governor associated with the pressure roller through a gear train for limiting the speed at which the roller may be moved across a film surface.

Still a further object is the provision of camera apparatushaving spring-tensioned, translationally movable pressure rollers for applying compressive stress to a fixedly positioned film and motor means comprising a governor for moving the rollers at a pre-established speed.

Further objects of the invention are the provision of means for separating pressure rollers at .the termination of each processing cycle, means for ejectng a processed film unit from the camera, and means adapted to the removal of lighttight protective packaging of a film unit for purposes of its photographic exposure.

These and other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the apparatus hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views:

Figure l is a somewhat schematic side-elevation View, partly in cross-section and with parts broken away, of one form of the novel camera apparatus of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary schematic front-elevation View of elements of the camera along the line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a generally schematic side-elevation view of a modification of the camera of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary schematic top-plan View of elements of the camera of Fig. 3 along the line 4-4 thereof.

Referring to Fig. l, a somewhat schematic representation of one form of the novel camera apparatus of the invention is shown, said apparatus being suitable for use in conjunction with a fluid-containing, composite photographic film unit, comprising a plurality of layers, wherein a positive photographie print may be formed when the photosensitive layer of said film is photographically exposed and subjected to progressive compression. Accordingly, the camera is adapted to receive a film of the aforementioned type and to hold the film in a fixed position, to photographically expose said film, to apply a preestablished, progressive compression to the film while it is fixedly. positioned, and to provide means for removal of the film for viewing the completed print.

Camera elements more particularly related to photographic exposure of the film comprise lens I2, shutter release I4, view finder I6, and bellows I8, it being understood that suitable shutter and aperture regulating means as well as means for altering extension of the bellows, not shown, are incorporated in the camera.l Further elements of the camera are enclosed in a light-tight chamber providedby casingl 20, said casing having at least a portion 26a pivotally attached thereto by means of hinge 22 and having associated friction latch 24 for gaining access to the interior of the camera.

A nlm unit 26 may be introduced into the camera through a suitable aperture 28 formed in the casing, said aperture slightly exceedingI the breadth and thickness of the lm and having adjacent thereto suitable light-shielding means 30 such as strips of a velvet material mounted on the surfaces forming said aperture. -Within the camera, the lm is positioned between a rigid planar plate member 32 suitably formed, for example, of a nondeformable sheet metalv or glass, and two preferably rigid metal strip elements 34, each strip being so positioned as to overlap and engage a marginal portion of the film, asis more clearly shown in Fig. 2. Said strip elements are preferably mounted in such manner as to permit variation in their spacing from plate member 32, said mounting being accomplished by bolt members 36 having unthreaded portions for permitting their movement transversely through plate 32, and having coil springs 38 for biasing said strips' toward the plate member. Further elements for positioning and holding the lm comprise flan-ge portions 46 extending from plate 32 which serve to guidethe iilm into position and prevent its lateral displacement in the focal plane of the'camera,y and horizontal plate member4 42 which: provides a limitstop for the leadinge'dge of the ilm. It will be seen that thev aforesaid mounting of strip-s 34 provides means both for separating said.v strips from the plate when loading'a film in the camera, the nlm when inserted causing said separation, and for holding the iilm unit against the plate, overcoming any slight variations in film` thickness which may exist. The iilm, positioned as described, is' held in the focal plane of the camera, being thus suitably positioned for photographic exposure and subsequent processing.

The internal constructions of the camera further comprise unitary channeled elements 44 incorporating grooved track portionsl 46 extending longitudinally thereof, two pairs of said elements being positioned vertically in the camera and extending parallel to the iilm thereby providing means for guiding translational movement of a pressure roller 48 in a direction parallel to the plane of the iilm. Pressure roller shaft 49 is rotatably mounted at each end thereof in an individual carrier 50,said carriers being adapted to move along aline parallel to the iilm within the aforesaid tracks 4.6, the upward and downward limits of said movement being determined, respectively,.by horizontal .stops 52 and 54. As indicated in Fig. 2, the pressure roller, being positioned between film holding strips 34, is in direct engagement with lm unit 26.

Preferred means for mounting the pressure roller in the carriers is illustrated, said. means, in. association with each carrier, comprising: 'a plate 56 v(both platesbeing shownV in Fig. 2) in which the shaftv of said roller isrotatablymounted 1 at each end, a pairof horizontal tracks 58 ineach carrier for-permitting movement of `said plates at right angles withrespectto the film and focal plane, and a predeterminedly tensioned -coil spring-"66, interposed in the space'between portions of each plate and carrier for biasing the pressure roller `in ya direction toward the lm. The pressure roller may be surfaced either with a suitable-resilient material, such as rubber, or

may becomposed of'a substantially rigid material such as a metal or plastic according to compressive requirements of the film.

Movement of carriers along tracks 46, accompanied by passage of pressure roller 48 across pre-established portions of iilm 26 may be accomplished by means of a motor or manual drive and ,associatedl mechanisms suitably connecting said power sourcewith the carriers. The form of propulsive means shown is manually driven and comprises a pair of arms ISZ, one of said arms being attached to each of the carriers and each arm being adapted to upward and downward movement through an aperture 64 in track stop 54 and an aperture 66 in the lower portion of the camera casing. Each arm has a groove 68 extending longitudinally thereoi, said groove c0- operating with lug members projecting within apertures 64 and 66 and serving as guide means therewith for further assuring positive movement of the pressure roller ina plane parallel to that ofthe film. End portions of the arms are joined by a crossV member in the form of a handle 10, more clearly sho-wn in Fig. 2, whereby the arms may'be'moved manually, the limits of said movement-being 'determined' by the meeting or carriers 50 with limit stops 52 and 54.

"In Fig. 1, one of said arms l62, carriers 50, and the pressure roller 48 are shown during downward movement, the pressure roller exerting compressive" force upon film 26 which it is assumed has been photographically exposed. At the position of'maximum lupward'travel of said elements, shaft 49 `is brought into Contact with substantially rigid guide member 12, a pair of said members being attached to channeled elements 44. Each of said members 12 is positioned to intercept an end portion of the upwardly moving roller shaft 49 and, when said shaft is brought into contact therewith, the contacting surfaces of said members 12 are so inclined as to cause a divergent movement of theshait and pressure roller in a direction away from film 26, plates 56, accordingly, being displaced to the right against the tension of springs f"to'permit said operation. Members 12 thus opearte to disengage the pressure roller from the lm at said position and the convexportions of said members 12, being formed to receive shaft 49, additionally serve therewith as detent means for' releasably holding the pressure roller both ata maximum upward position and out of engagement with the hlm when said rollei` is idle. Accordingly, a film may readily be loaded in the camera without contacting the pressure rollers.

Edge` portions of arms 62 are so formed as to comprise movable racks 62a., and spur gears 14, rigidly attached adjacent each end of a rotatable shaft 15 and engaged with said racks 62a, as shown in greater detail in Fig, 2, provide means fora'ctuating a conventional gear train shown in Fig. 1,said' train comprising gears 16, 18, 80, 82, and84 and actuating governor 86 wherebyvthe speed of-propulsion of arms 62 and the associated pressure-roller are substantially limited to a pre-established maximum.

`I`n operation, the'lm is loaded through aperture 28, and positioned within the camera,'as hereinbei'ore described, it beingassumed that a single lm unit initially has a protective lighttightsheath which may be removed either during' or after itsI .insertion in thev camera, said lastnamed method presuming,`for example, a frangible lower portion of said sheath and a -tab for accomplishing its withdrawal. The film may then be photographically exposed, exposure of the Vpli'otosensitivelayer thereof to the subject image ybeing accomplished, for example, through a transparent base layer. Immediately after its photographic exposure, the film is in readiness for processing and the formation of a positive photographic print therein. Accordingly, pressure roller 48 is drawn across the film, the iirst portion of said roller travel serving to compress a collapsible container 88 (Fig. 2) incorporated in the film preferably between a pair of layers thereof and releasably containing a iiuid adapted to the print forming process. The container, having frangible portions for directional release o! the fluid when thus compressed releases said uid between the image-forming layer portions a of the lm partially shown in Fig. 2 and continued downward travel of the pressure roller serves to spread the iiuid over the entire area of said image-forming portions with the resultant production of a positive print upon one of said portions. extreme downward position until the fllrn unit is manually withdrawn from the camera, that p0rtion of the iilm extending through aperture 28, as shown, being suitable for manual withdrawal of said film unit. After removal of the film containing a completed print from the camera, the pressure roller is returned to its extreme upward position and the camera elements are suitably disposed for reception of another iilm unit. A ratchet and pawl may be included in the mounting of gear 16 whereby driving connection of gear 14 with the gear train and governor is relinguished during the aforesaid return of elements to idle position. When the camera is not in use, aperture 28 may be sealed by suitable closure means as, for example, by strip member 00 which may be moved through guide element 92 to a position across said aperture.

Fig. 3 represents a modification of the camera apparatus of Figs. l and 2 wherein principal differences in construction comprise: a pair of pressure rollers instead of the single roller and associated plate previously shown, a motor drive for obtaining vertical movement within the camera of racks, carriers, and rollers, and means for ejecting the completed, positive print-bearing film from the camera, said last-named means comprising pressure rollers which are unidirectionally rotatable. The modified elements are, however, adapted to operate in conjunction with i'llm of the character previously described and, generally, to perform similar functions to those accomplished by mechanisms of Figs. l and 2.

Elements of Fig. 3 particularly related to photographic exposure of the film comprise lens 94, shutter release 96, view finder 98 and bellows 00, further conventional components related to exposure of the film being understood to exist valthough not shown. A light-tight chamber for enclosing other elements of the camera is providedrby casing |02, it being understood that suitable displaceable casing portions, not shown, may be provided for obtaining access to the interior of the camera.

A iilm unit II04 may be introduced into the camera through an aperture |06 slightly exceeding the breadth and thickness of thel film and having suitable light-shielding means |08 adjacent thereto, said last-named means being formed, for example, from strips of an appropriate fabric. The film is positioned in the camera between a pair of suitably spaced channeled vertical elements ||0, one of which is shown more exactly in Fig. 4, the channeled portion I I2 slight- 1y exceeding the thickness of the iilm and each The pressure roller is maintained at of said elements ||0 terminating at its lower extremities in a horizontal interconnecting portion I |4 which provides a limit stop for the leading edge of said film. Although not so shown, channels ||2 may be suitably lined with a resilient fabric or have resilient metallic members associated therewith for more rmly holding the film therebetween. As illustrated, a protective light-tight sheath |I6 may be removed from the film unit when said unit is loaded in the camera, aperture |06 being adapted to receive leading portions of said sheath and prevent the entrance of actinic light to the photosensitive lm vduring the loading process. When positioned between members I I0 to the limit deter'- mined by stop member H4, the iilm unit is suitably disposed for photographic exposure and subsequent processing, it being understood that the trailing edge of said film when so positioned is substantially Icoplanar with the top of the oasing and, accordingly that aperture |06 is effectively blocked against entrance of actinic light by the film portion positioned therewithin.

The internal constructions of the camera further comprise unitary channeled elements ||8 incorporating grooved track portions |20 extending longitudinally thereof, two pairs of said elements being positioned vertically in the camera and extending parallel to the lm. Elements i I8 provide means for guiding translational movement of a pair of pressure rollers |22 and |24 in a. direction parallel to the plane of the film unit. Pressure roller shafts |26 and |28 are rotatably mounted at each end thereof in a pair of pivotally mounted arms |30 and |32, said pair of arms being coaxially rotatable about an individual pivot pin |34, said pin, in turn, being mounted on a carrier element I 36, it being understood that duplicate pairs of arms and duplicate pins and carriers exist adjacent opposite extremities of the pressure roller shafts. Pressure roller shafts |26 and |28 are preferably rendered rotatable only in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively, as viewed in Fig. 3, by conventional unidirectional means, not shown. Assuming an individual carrier operating along each side edge of the film and moving within the aforesaid tracks |20 the upward and downward movement of said carriers is limited, respectively. by contact with horizontal stop members |38 and |40. Compressive force of the pressure rollers is obtained by coil springs |42 (one spring being shown) having pre-established tension characteristics, said springs being attached to each pair of said arms |30 and |32 for biasing said arms and associated pressure rollers toward one another. The pressure rollers are suitably surfaced as previously described with respect to the roller of Figs. l and 2.

It will be understood that rotation o-f pressure rollers |22 and |24 is obtained through the combination of their frictional Contact with iilm |04 and the translational movement of the rollers ywhile thus engaging the film., it being assumed that the film is of suiiicient rigidity to withstand the frictional transmission thereto of the force moving the pressure rollers. Movement of said pressure rollers |22 and |24 across pre-established portions of nlm |04 may be accomplished by means comprising either a motor or a manual drive and by associated mechanisms for suitably connecting the power source with the pressure roller carriers and preferably for regulating thespeed of travel of said rollers, apparatus of Figs. 3 and 4 being shown as motor driven... At-

tached to each-'carrieris'a'rack |44, eac-hof said racks havingy agroove illtfextending longitudinallyl thereof, said groove cooperatingY with lug members projecting within apertures Idil and |5'|l','said apertures being formed, respectively, in stops |45 and thelower portion ofthel camera casing. `The racks are lczapable of being moved vertically, passing freely through said apertures and said movement being maintained along a plane parallel to the focal plane by virtue of said coasting lugs and grooves. The racks are interconnected exteriorly of the casing by. acrossbar |52-Which insures identical :movement of both racks and provides means for manual yoperation thereof.

Slightly in advance of the maximum upward point of travel of the pressure rollers, as determined by contact of the carriers and limit stops, each pairl of pivotally mounted arm-s is intercepted by an individual triangular wedge-like elementi |54, said element, ybyreason of its angular surfaces, causing divergence of the arms and rollers whereby engagement of said rollers and hlm is broken. Said device is employed bot-h for permitting loading of a iilm unit in the camera without contacting the pressure rollers and for the purpose of relieving possible Contact of pressureroller surfaces with one another or with a film unit when the camera is idle, thus preventing deformation of roller surfacing.

'Two-spur gears, one of said gears |56 being shown, are mounted on a drum |58 containing a coil spring |60, said drum rotating on xed shaft IGZ-and said spring being attached respectively to said drum and shaft. When racks Hill are moved in an upward direction by a thrusting force applied to connectingv bar |52, said coil spring is tensioned. At the maximum upward position of carriers |36 a detent |84 is caused to move through a suitable bearing in channeled element ||8and enter a slot |65 in one of said carriers. The detent is suitably linked, as by lever l'l, to a release button Hi8, entrance of the detent into the slot being actuated by a coil spring |68. The aforementioned elements constitute both a motor drive for propelling the pressure rollers downwardly across film surfaces, it being understood that motor spring itl? is of sufficient strength for the purpose, and a triggering device for initiating said operations. One of said gears |56 likewise actuates a gear train and governer similar to the gear train and governor of Fig. 1, as illustrated, whereby, in conjunction rwith the motor, the speed at which the rollers are-thus propelled is pre-established.

The position of elements shown in Fi-g. 3 is suitable for loading a film unit in the camera, andv photographically exposing and processing said nlm. After photographic exposure, release button |58 is depressed, detent Hill is thereby withdrawn from slot |56, the pressure rollers are drawn across the .film through the-action of the spring motor and connecting elements, and the processing of said nlm, as hereinbefore described, is accomplished. After the rollers have reached their maximum. downward position and the positive print has been formed within the film, bar element S52 being spaced from the casing by a distance equal to the travel of pressure rollers, is manually thrust inwardly and returned to the position shown. The pressure rollers being incapable of rotation in an opposite direction, due to aforementioned unidirectional means associatedA therewith, are lockedin friotional engagement with saidfilm and serve to carry the. film Zul upward and cause ejection ofthe major` portion thereof from the camera, completionv of withdrawal of the -film being effected manually. Afterv removal of the film, aperture |06 may be sealed by moving strip ll'i in guide |12 and effecting a closure of sai-d aperture or, said aperture may be maintained open, a second lm unit loaded in the camera, and the above-described cycle of.

operations may be repeated in conjunction therewith.

form of filmy unit is used making initial reversal of the subject image desirable, altered exposure means embodying suitable image reversing mirrors for the purpose may be included in the camera. While-a camera for use with individual film units and mechanisms for performing several operationsin conjunction therewith are shown, it will be obvious that a composite roll film could be similarly compressed by translationally movable pressure rollers, the .camera being modified forv supplying and positioning said type of. film. Wherein film units or roll film are-substantially resilient it may be preferable to compensate therefor by providing additional rotative means for the pressure rollers as, for example, by mounting a pair of gears of suitable form adjacent extremities of each pressureA roller shaft, said gears engagingk a pair yof Xed racks positioned parallel to the direction of translational movement of the pressure rollers. Alternate means for insuring nondeformation of the film during an application of progressive pressure thereto could comprise a clamping device positioned adjacent. aperture 28 and adaptedto grip the film across its entire breadth. `Suitable interlock means maybe incorporated in the camera whereby, for example, shutter release 96 and pressure'roller release button |58 of Fig. 3 could be reduced to a single release` element, actuation of the shutter thereby preceding that of the pressure rollers. Plate 32 of Fig. 1, `against 'which the film is compressed could comprise a. transparent glass plate positioned on the oppositeside of film 26 between film and lens, whereby photographic exposure of said film could be accomplished through the plate and asingle arm for moving the roller positioned longitudinally at mid-portions of the film could be employed instead of a pair of arms as shown. By employing, for example, suitable reversal gearing in association` therewith, the motor of Fig. 3, assuming a driving spring of increased strength, could be utilized to eject the film from the camera. in addition to performing thefunction described of drawing thepressure rollers across the film for compress-ive purposes. Means shown for propelling vthe pressurerollers comprising arms and racks couldbe. supplanted, for example, bya cable and drum, .by a chain or belt drive, or by a plurality of ,said elements. While pressure rollers comprise suitable means for applying compressive force to the. hlm a non.- rotatable form of translationally movable pres'.- sure element comprising a pressure blade. or blades could be employed in place of the roller or rollers shown with but slight modification of associated mechanisms, assuming provision vof film of sufcient. rigdityor having suitable holding. means for withstanding frictional transmis- It Will .be apparent that further modifications` Vsion of the force of translational movement thereto.

Alternate' means could also be employed for ejecting the film from the camera as, for example, a supplementary translationally movable element adapted to engage the film and eject it through aperture |06 after the pressure rollers have been separated from contact with said film.

Forms of translationally movable compression applying means for processing a photographically exposed film of the general type herein- Vbefore described are not limited to inclusion in a complete camera. It will be apparent that further modifications of the apparatus would permit mounting of said means in an attachment for a camera or in a darkroom for use in processing film which has been photographically exposed by separate camera means.

Since certain changes in the constructions set forth which embody the invention may be made without departing from its scope, it is intendedl that al1 matter contained in the above descriptionor shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. Camera apparatus for photographically exposing and providing a positive photographic image within a multilayer film comprising a photosensitive layer and a fluid releasably contained between a pair of layers thereof, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a casing for enclosin contact with said plate, means for photographically exposing a pre-established portion of said l,

photosensitive layer, pressure roller means mounted for translational movement across a surface of said film and adapted to apply progressive compression thereto for releasing said fluid between a pair of layers of said film and for spreading said fluid throughout an area at least coextensive with said exposable photosensitive portion, means comprising a pair of carriers for providing translational movement of said pressure roller means, means comprising a plurality of tracks for guiding said carrier means in a plane parallel to the plane of said film, means comprising racks and a handle member positioned exteriorly of said casing for transmitting translational movement to said carriers, gear means engaging said racks trolling speed of translational movement of said pressure roller means across said film, means providing limit stop members adapted to intercept said carriers for predeterminedly defining the amiamo l progressive compression thereto for releasing said fluid' between a pair of layers of said film and forspreading said fluid throughout an area at least coextensive with said exposeable photosensitive portion, means comprising a pair of carjriers for providing translational movement of said pressure roller means, means comprising a -plurality of tracks for guiding said carrier means yin a plane parallel to the plane of said film,

means comprising racks for transmitting translational movement to said carriers, motor means and associated gearing adapted to drive said racks and to actuate a gear train and governor vfor controlling speed of translational movement of said pressure roller means across said nlm, limit stop means for defining the extent of travel of said pressure rollers across said film surface portions, means associated with said pressure rollers for causing said rollers to eject said film from the camera, and means for separating said pressure rollers from contact with said film at a predetermined position of said means relative to said film.

3. Apparatus for exposing and processing a Vphotosensitive film material comprising, in combination, means comprising at least a surface of said apparatus for positioning and holding said filmV material for exposure and processing thereof, means for exposing said film material when thus positioned, and means for releasing and spreading a processing fluid between said photosensitivey film material while thus positioned and asheet material assembled therewith in superimposed relation to effect said processing of the translationally relative to said positioning and Aholding means in compressive contact with a surface of at least one of said superimposed materials for providing a compression of said materialsand a flow of said fluid therebetween.

A4. Apparatus for exposing and processing a photosensitive film material comprising, in combination, a member adapted both to position said film material for exposure to actinic light and to and actuating a gear train and governor for conextent of travel of said pressure roller meansi across said film, and means for separating said pressure roller means from contact with said film at a predetermined position ofrsaid means relative to said film.

2. Camera apparatus for photographically exposing and providing a positive photographic image within a multilayer film comprising a photosensitive layer and a'fiuid releasably contained between a pair of layers thereof, said approvide a supporting surface for compressing said film material, means for exposing said film material when thus positioned, means cooperating with said supporting surface for releasing and spreading a processing fluid between said photosensitive film material and a sheet material assembled in superimposed relation therewith, said last-named means comprising at least a pressure-applying member adapted to be moved translationally across said supporting surface and in contact with a surface of `one of said ma- `of said materials and a fiow of said fluid therebetween, and a housing normally opaque to said actinic light for mounting the aforesaid means,

assay-1 'as ifi said housing comprising an aperture adjacent said'iilm material positioning member and so located. with respect thereto that said lm material, by insertion through said aperture, may be locatedin position for exposure by said'exposing means.

5. Apparatus for exposing` and processing a photosensitive film material comprising, in combination, housing means normally opaque t light actinic to said photosensitive film material,

v means in. said housingv means providing a surface lapplying member "adapted to be moved'translationally, relative to said nlm-positioning and holding means across a predetermined portion of'said rst-namedsurface in. compressive contact with a surface of one of said superimposed materials for providingafcompression of said materials anda flow of -said fluid'therebetween, meansfor actuating said 'pressure-applying member to provide translatory movement thereof, andL means; for automatically separating saidV pressure-applying member from saidl material at a predetermined stage of said translatory movement.

6'. Apparatus for exposing and processing a photosensitive lm material comprising, in combination, housing means normally opaque to, light .actinic to said photosensiti've film material,

means in said"housingv-means providing at least a surface for positioning and' holding said film material for` exposure and' processing thereof, pressure vroller means for releasing and'spreading, a processing 'uidoetween said photosensitive film material and another sh'eet material.

assembled therewith in superimposed `relation to effect said processing of'the nlm, said pressure 4roller means being adapted'to bev moved'trans- "lati'onally relative to said positioning and hold- 'ing means across a predetermined portion of said. surface in compressive contact'with a surface of one of said" superimposed materials for Iproviding a compression ofl saidmaterials anda flow ofsaiduid'. therebetween,v means, for actuating said' pressure roller means, means for 'guiding said pressure roller means, and" means adapted to intercept saidv pressure roller means at a predetermined" stage ofjtranslatory movement thereof for separating said pressure roller means from said material.

'7. Apparatus for exposing and processing a"v photofsensitivelm material comprising, in combination meansprovid-inga surface for positioningsaidlm materialfor photographic exposure andprocessing, means-cooperatingy with said positioning mea-ns for holding said film stationary relativethereto, means for photographically exposing said. film material wh'en thus positioned, compressing means for releasing and spreading a processing` fluid between said photosensitive.

film materialandfanother. sheet material assembled therewith in superimposed relation, said last-named means comprising atleast a pressureapplyingrmember, means comprising a spring for urging said'member toward. a surfaceyof atleast` one of said superimposed materials, means for mounting said pressure-applying,r 4rnemlo'er'so that said member may be moved translationally relative to said positioningmeansacross va predetermined portion ofsaid 'surface'for providing a compression Ofsaidmaterialsanda'iiow of said iiuid therebetween, means for actuating said compressing means to provide translatorymovement thereof and vmeans responsive yto transl-atory movementof said compressingmeans forautomatically separating said pressure-applying member fromsaid filnimaterial at a predetermined stage of said translatory movement.

8. Apparatus for photographically exposing and processing aA multilayerlm comprising a photosensitive layer and a processing fluid releasably contained between said layer 'and another l'ayer' thereof, said apparatus comprising, in combination; casing meansfor'en'closing elements of'said apparatus, means provi'din-gaccess Within said casing means for placing saidiilm 'therewithim means adjacent said access means providing'at least a surface substantiallir man exposure plane -of said apparatus for-positioning f andholdingfsaid--lm for exposure to actini-e light and processing thereof, means for photographically exposing said film whenrvthu's positioned, pressure rollerI means.L mounted for.` translational movement relative to said'positioning and holding means across a predetermined portion ofsaid exposure plane' in compressive contact with at least-fa surface of. said ilimforfprovidinga compression thereof and 'a flow of said' fluid between said layers, meansior guiding-said pressure'rol'ler means, means for actuating saidzpressure vroller means t0 provide translatory=movement thereof, meansfor'controlling the speed or 'said translatory movement of saidpressure roller means to provide a predetermined -compressionof`said film, means for defining the extent of' translatory movement of said pressure roller means, and means for automaticallyseparating said pressure roller meansffromsa'id film at a pre-established stage of said translatory movement.

9. Apparatus for predeterminedly treating a multilayer fil'm: .compri-sing :a light-sensitive Alayer andi'a processing fluid-releasably contained between a pair ofv layers thereof compri-sing, in oombination, plate-likemeans for supporting land holdingfsaid iilm against displacement for subjection to vphotographic exposure i and'` compression, pressure roll'erfmeansfadapted to be moved -translationally across-a predetermined portion ofsaid plate-like means in contact withl said of' saidlinwhen supportedthereon'for releasing and spreading said fluid-between sai'dfpairof layers, means for providing translatory move-` ment of ysaid pressurerollermeans, limit stop means forrdeni-n-g'the extent" `of said transl'atory movement, means for automatically removing andreleasably holding said pressure'roller means from contactwith` said film 'ata predetermined sure roller meansior causing said roller means to displace said lm relative to said plate-like prising, in combination., casing means for enclosin-g elements of said. apparatusand having a slot formed therein adapted to have said lm i3l passed therethrough, means for preventing actinic light from passing through said slot, platelike means adjacent saidslot for supporting and holding said lm against displacement for subjection to exposure and compression,l pressure roller means adapted to be moved translationally across a predetermined portion of said plate-like ymeans in contact with said film and to apply a pressure to successive areas of said film when :supported thereon for releasing and spreading said fluid between said pair of layers, means providing translatory movement of said pressure roller means, limit stop means for defining the extent of said translatory movement, means for automatically removing and releasably holding said pressure roller means from contact with said film at a predetermined stage of said translatory movement, and means responsive to translatory movement of said pressure roller means for causing said roller means to displace said film relative ing a slot formed therein adapted to have said,

film passed therethrough, means providing a closure for said slot, means comprising a nonyielding plate adjacent said slot for supporting a surface of said film for subjection to exposure and compression, means comprising a pair of spring-urged members adapted to frictionally engage marginal portions of another surface of said film for holding said film xed against displacement with respect to said plate, pressure roller means extending between said pair of margin-engaging members and adapted to be moved translationally across a predetermined portion of said plate lying between said pair of members in contact with said film and to apply a pressure to successive areas of said film when supported thereon for releasing and spreading said fluid lbetween said pair of layers, means providing translatory movement of said pressure roller means, limit stop means for defining .the

extent of said translatory movement, means for automatically removing and releasably holding said pressure roller means from contact with said film at a predetermined stage of said translatory movement, and means responsive to translatory movement o-f said pressure roller means for causing said roller means to displace said film relative to said plate and to propel said lm vthrough said slot.

-channeled members are unobstructed for said treatment, means comprising a pair of converg- `ingly biased pressure rollers mounted for translatory movement relative to said channeled members, each roller being adapted to be brought in contact with one of said surfaces of film and to compress' said nlm therebetween, means providsaid translatory movement of said pair of pressure rollers so that said rollers are adapted to apply a substantially constant compression to said film throughout said lsurfaces to spread said fluid between said photographically exposed layer and an adjacent layer, limit stop means for defining the extent of translatory movement of said pressure rollers, and means for providing divergence of said pressure rollers for removing said rollers from contact with said film at a predetermined stage of translatory movement thereof and for releasably holding said rollers spaced from said film.

13. In a camera having suitable casing and film-exposing means, apparatus for applying a predetermined treatment to a multilayer film to provide spreading of a releasably contained processing lfluid between a photographically eX- .posed layer and an adjacent layer comprising,

in combination, plate means comprising a single surface area adapted both to position said lm for exposure and to provide a nonyielding surface for compression of said film thereagainst, means for holding said lm stationary in contact with said plate means, means comprising a pressure roller for compressing said film when the latter is held against said plate, said pressure roller being mounted for bodily movement toward and away from said plate and being predeterminedly urged toward said plate by compression spring means, means comprising at least a carrier upon which said pressure roller is mounted, said carrier being adapted to translatory movement, guide means for directing translatory movement of said carrier substantiallyparallel to said plate means, means providing translatory movement of said carrier and pressure roller comprising a rack attached to said carrier, a gear fixed against translatory movement engaging said rack, means for rotating said gear, and means enabling a predetermined control of the speed of rotation of said gear for controlling the speed of said translatory movement.

14. Camera. apparatus for applying a predetermined treatment to superposed sheet materials comprising a photographically exposed area of a light-sensitive film material, another material adapted to have a positive photographic image formed thereupon, and a processing fluid releasably contained between said film and other material, said apparatus comprising, in combination, framing means for positioning and holding said materials substantially in a focal plane, means for compressing said materials when substantially thus positioned comprising a rigid plate-like member for supporting that surface of said materials which faces away from an eX- posure aperture of the camera and a pressure-roller adapted to apply a pressure to a surface of said materials which faces toward said exposure aperture and to cooperate with said plate-like member to compress said materials, carrier means having said pressure roller mounted thereupon, means providing translatory movement of said carrier means relative toy said plate-like member, framing means for moving said pressure roller across said surface of the materials to provide a flow of said uid between said materials, and means adapted to intercept a portion of said carrier means at a predetermined stage of translatory movement thereof for removing said pres- `sure roller from contact with said materials and for releasably holding said roller spaced from said materials. r i

15. Camera apparatus for applying a predeterminedrtreatment to a photographically exposed 15' aragof a liglrit-.sensitive film material when. as,- sembledwith .another material adapted to have a posit-ive .photographic print :formed thereupon, said `materials having a film-.processing fluid releasably contained therebetween, said apparatus comprising, inv combination, framingfmeans comprising. channeled portionsadaptedto-engage a plurality of surfaces of said materials for ypositioni-ngand holding said materials, during photographic exposure and processing of the lm, means for photoexposing -said film while so held by said framing means, pressure-applying means comprising at least a pressure roller adapted to compress said assembled materials, carrier means having said pressure-applying means mounted bination, meanscomprising at least a surface substantially in va focal plane of said apparatus for positioning and holding said iilm material inpredetermined-relation to said focal plane for `exposure and processing thereof,A means forexposing said ilm material when thus positioned, and means for releasing and spreading a -processing iluid between said photosensitive lm material while thus positioned and a sheet material assembled therewith in superimposed relation to effect said processing of the film, said last-named means comprising at least a pressure-applying member adapted to be moved translationally relative to said vpositioning and holding means across a predetermined portion of said focal `plane in compressive contact vwith a surface of `at least one of said superimposed materials for providing a compression of said materials and a flow of saidfluid therebetween.

l7. Apparatus for exposing and lprocessing a -photosensitive lm material comprising, in com bination, housing means comprising an expos-ure aperture, means, for supporting said photosensitive film materialy opposite said aperture, `means for photoexposing said photosensitive iilm material, means including a pressure-applying member for subjecting said superposed 4material to compression while supported on said supporting means in superposed relation with another sheet material to release and spread a processing fluid over said photosensitve material, means for mounting said compression-applying means for reciprocating movement relative to said supporting ymeans-and a member iiXedvw-ith respect to said supporting mea-ns and-located to engage said compression-applying means` substantially at the completion of said reciprocation thereof,v said last-named member acting in response to the motion-of said means to lift said pressure-applyingmember free of sai'dJsuperposed materials.

18. Apparatus for processing a photosensitive lmvmaterial comprising, in combination, means for', supporting said rphotosensitive` :lm `material insuperposedrelation withI another sheet material, /said supporting meanshbeing so-.constructed and.. arranged-that both surfaces of said superposed materials coextensive with the area of the photosensitive ylmfmaterial to Abe processed are free-to be engaged byy pressureapplying members,

means; for subjecting saidV superposedzmaterials to compression while soy supported togreleaseand spread a processing fluid over Lsaid photosensitile materatsaid means Comprising a pair cipressure-applying members for engaging opposite faces rof rsaid superposed materials, and;m,eans for mounting said pressure-applying -meansfand said `supporting means for movement. relative to onefanother, during which movement` saidpressure-applying members apply pressure t0- iboth sides ofsaid superposed materials to compress thesame.

19. Apparatus for processing =a Dhotosensitive lrm .material ,compri-sine, in combination, means for supporting said photosensitive nlm material inv superposed relation with-another sheet ,ma .er rial, said supporting lmeans .being so constructed arranged that both sur-faces of said'superposed materials coextensive with the areayof .the photos-onsitive film material` tobe processed ,are free to be engaged by pressure-applgingf-members, means for subjecting said superposedmaterials, to compression while so. supported to release and. spread a processing luidover said photosensi ive .materiaL said means comprising a pair-.or pressure-applying members for engaging opposite faces of said superposed materials and mechanism for mounting said members for movement with respect to one anotherv and for biasing f id members in the direction of one another, and' means for mounting-said pressure-applying means and said supporting means for movement ive to one another, during which movement sa d Apressure-applying members apply pressure to both sides of said superposed materials to compress the same. l

20. Apparatus for `processing a'photosensitive film-material comprising, in combination, means for supporting said lm material in superposed relation with another sheet material, said supporti-ng means being so constructed and varranged that at least one surf-ace of said superposed ymaterials eoeXtens-ive 4with an area of the photosensitive `iilmmaterial to be processed is free to vbe Vengaged -byfa pressure-applying'memben means member for engaging said surface ofv said superposed material, vmeans for mounting said com pression-applying means for reciprocating movement relative to said supporting means, and power means connected to said compression-applying means for automatically moving said means in one direction, saidpower means being energized by movement of said compression-applying means inthe other direction.

21.'.5ipparatus for processing a photosensitive lm material comprising, in combination, means for lsupporting said iilm material in'superposed relation with another sheet material, said supporting means being so constructed and arranged that at least one surface of said superposed materials coeXtens-ive with an area of thephotosensitive iilm material to -be processed is free to be engaged byO a pressure-applying member, means y'for subjecting said superposed materials to compression while so supportedto release and spread a processing `fluid over said photosensitive material, said ymeans comprising a ypressure-applying member for engaging said surface ofsaid superposed material, means forfmounting said compression-applying'means for reciprocating movement relative to saidl supporting mean-s, and

power means connected to said compression-applying means for automatically moving said means in one direction, said power means being energized by movement of said compression-applying means in the other direction, said compression-applying means comprising a mechanism for rendering the same operative during movement in said other direction to engage and move said superposed materials relative to said supporting means.

22. Apparatus for processing a photosensitive film material comprising, in combination, means for supporting said film material in superposed relation with another sheet materal, said supporting means being so constructed and arranged that at least one surface of said superposed materials coextensve with an area of the photosensitive lm material to be processed is free to be engaged by a pressure-applying member, means for subjecting said superposed materials to compressionV While so supported to release and spread a processing fluid over said photosensitive material, said means comprising a pressure-applying member for engaging said surface of said superposed material, means for mounting said compression-applying means for reciprocating movelast-named member acting in response to thev motion of said means to release said pressureapplying member from said superposed materials.

EDWIN H. LAND.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the Ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Sibley June 10, 1862 Number 

